| Two male accused handed five year-imprisonment or more than one hundred thousand rands fine for possession of illicit cigarettes | |
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| Date Published: | 2025/12/10 |
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Media Statement POLOKWANE - The Giyani Commercial Crime Court has on Tuesday, 09 December 2025 handed a five year imprisonment against two foreign nationals for possession of illicit cigarettes. On 01 December 2025, an intelligence information was received by police about illicit cigarettes that were transported by two white Toyota Corollas from Musina and destined to Tzaneen policing area under Mopani District. The Limpopo Tracking Team together with two Security companies operationalised on the information and commenced tracing the alleged motor vehicles. They were positively spotted driving along R36 public road and police attempted to stop them but the drivers sped off towards Tzaneen industrial area. A car chase ensued until both Toyota Corollas were intercepted next to a filling station and found fully loaded with illicit cigarettes of Remington Gold brand. Thabani Sibanda (32) and Nkululeko Ncube (49) were arrested on the spot for possession of illicit cigarettes estimated to the street value of R180 000-00. The matter was immediately transferred to Limpopo Provincial Investigation Unit and assigned to Sergeant Chuene Mokwele for further Investigations. While busy with the investigations Sergeant Mokwele further discovered that Nkululeko Ncube was an illegal immigrant and was also charged with Contravention of Immigration Act. The duo made their first appearance before Tzaneen Magistrate court on 02 December 2025 and the case was postponed to Tuesday, 09 December 2025 for plea at Giyani Commercial Crime Court. Thabani Sibanda was found guilty and sentenced to 5 years imprisonment or a fine amounting to R300 000-00. His accomplice, Nkululeko Ncube was found guilty and handed five (5) years imprisonment or a fine of R100 000-00. The accused was also found guilty and sentenced to one (1) year imprisonment or R10 000-00 fine for being illegal in the country. Furthermore, both motor vehicles were forfeited to the state and the accused were also declared unfit to possess a firearm. The SAPS Limpopo Provincial Commissioner Lieutenant General Thembi Hadebe has applauded the swiftness through which the cases where meticulously investigated and subsequently finalized by the courts.”It is indeed encouraging to note that if members are conducting astute investigations and carrying out their work diligently the cases can be successfully and speedily finalized” concluded General Hadebe. Ends
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